Train from Venice to Bologna

After the dream-like La Serenissima, come back down to earth and eat your fill at the vibrant university town Italians call "La Grassa." Find out about taking the train from Venice to Bologna.

Bologna may not be on everyone's Italy itinerary, but it can be a fun contrast to Venice's quiet, other-worldly vibe. Many people go to Bologna for the food alone! And it's a wonderful introduction to the Emilia-Romagna region, often overlooked for its neighbor Tuscany.

With the train from Venice to Bologna taking just 1.5 hours, it's also a great day trip from Venice – and you won't have to worry about traffic and parking.

Frequent Trains from Venice Santa Lucia to Bologna Centrale

Trenitalia's high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains cover the 97-mile (156-km) distance from Venezia Santa Lucia (sometimes abbreviated to Venezia S. Lucia) to Bologna Centrale in about an hour and a half. It's a direct train, and tickets cost $10-22. There are approximately 37 trains per day, which should tell you how popular this itinerary is!

Italo trains connect Venezia Santa Lucia with Bologna Centrale, too. This trip clocks in a bit faster, at an hour and 15 minutes, and there are eight per day. Italo trains stop at Venezia Mestre (the mainland station) and Padua before hitting Bologna.

Direct Trains from Venice to Bologna

All AV trains from Venice to Bologna are direct, with only two stops in between. There are some slower trains that connect the cities as well, so it’s important to pay attention to the ticket details as you’re booking to make sure you know what your itinerary requires.

Amenities on the Train from Venice to Bologna

The top of the line AV trains are Frecciarossa, and these train cars all come with air conditioning and power outlets in the seats for your convenience. There are both 1st class and 2nd class cars - 1st class passengers get a free drink and a choice of newspaper – and a cafe car that's available to all passengers.

Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains offer very similar in passenger experience to the top of the line AV trains (they’re just not as fast). There are both 1st class and 2nd class cars. Passengers in 1st class cars get a free drink and a newspaper. Both typically have a cafe car which all passengers can use, and power outlets are in both class cars at each seat.

Venice and Bologna Train Stations

Venice has two stations, though one – Mestre – is on the mainland. Pay attention so that you don't get off too early. The station on the islands, where most people are going, is called Venezia Santa Lucia (sometimes abbreviated as S.Lucia), and there's a vaporetto stop right outside the station on the Grand Canal. Some trains stop at both Venice stations, while others stop at only Santa Lucia.

Bologna Centrale is the main station in Bologna, and one of the busiest in Italy. It’s on the outskirts of the city center near the ring road, and served by several city buses.

Journey Information

See below for details on traveling from Venice to Bologna by train.

Travel Distance

Venice is 97 miles (233km) from Bologna

Travel Time

It takes 1 hour and 25 minutes to travel from Venice to Bologna.

Daily Trains

There are 49 trains from Venice to Bologna every day.

Travel Deals

Enjoy the lowest available fares on train travel from Venice to Bologna.

From seat assignments and luggage space to the different types of tickets, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about train travel in Italy.

Arrival & Departure Train Destinations

Read on for information about nearby Venice and Florence train stations.

Venice Santa Lucia Train Station

This is one of two train stations in Venice, and the only one inside the actual city. It gets its name from the Santa Lucia Church, which was demolished to make room for the station, which has over 450 trains and 82,000 passengers a day.

Florence S.M.N. Train Station

The primary train station in Florence is Santa Maria Novella, a great example of Italian modernism from the 1930s. It's one of Italy's busiest stations, with 160,000 people passing through it every day.

Hotel Florence Brunelleschi

St. Regis Florence

This elegant outpost of the St. Regis brand occupies a quiet corner of one of Florence’s best neighborhoods along the Arno River, ensuring a peaceful, luxurious experience right in the heart of the city.

Things To Do in Florence

Check out deals on some of the best tours in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and a city famous for its culture, art and architecture.

VIP Morning Tour of Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery

Avoid the crowds with this early-morning VIP experience (including breakfast) and take in the masterpieces of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and more. Don't miss: The secret passage ways of the Medici family.

Frecciarossa Trains in Italy

Scenic Trains in Italy

One of the best things about taking the train in Italy is the opportunity to gaze at beautiful scenery. In some parts of the country, there are even scenic train routes that are specifically designed to be tourist attractions.